The deputy president said out of the Sh1.6 billion, Sh500 million will be used to repair roads which have been destroyed, Sh100 million for provision of food and clothes to affected families while Sh1 billion has been set aside to take care of other emergencies.
He assured the public that the government has moved swiftly to contain the situation, adding that President Uhuru Kenyatta will soon establish a Disaster Management Authority that will be charged with disaster mitigation and management in the country.
While speaking at St Paul’s Catholic Church, Matuu in Yatta constituency where he attended Sunday mass, Ruto explained that efforts have been stepped up in provision of humanitarian relief to those affected by floods across the country as the government explores long-term solution to the perennial problem.
“I want to assure Kenyans that we are putting everything in place to contain floods among other emergencies which might arise so as to eliminate guesswork,” he said.
He however expressed concern that thousands of people have been displaced by the raging floods and effects of the ongoing heavy rains pounding many parts of the country, but assured the victims that the government has moved swiftly to assist the affected families.
“The government departments responsible for mitigation and management will ensure food, drugs are provided to the affected families besides ensuring that roads which have been destroyed by the floods are repaired to enable Kenyans concentrate on their day-to-day activities.”
The deputy president who also toured Mathanto bridge was accompanied by MPs Ithiku Mbai (Masinga), Francis Mwangangi (Yatta), Alice Nganga (Thika town), Mary Emase (Teso South), Bernard Bett (Bomet East), Alice Wahome and Musyoka Mutua (Mwala) and Permanent Secretary Andrew Mondoh among other government officials.
During the visit, Ruto reiterated that Jubilee government will work for all irrespective of their political affiliation or whom they voted during the last concluded elections.
”We are ready to work with all the people of Kenya. Let’s forget the past and forge a common development agenda so that we can remain united as people of one nation,” Ruto said.
He also sent a message of condolence to the families of people who lost lives following heavy downpour in the area.
He assured the people of Ukambani and Kenyans in general of government’s commitment to exploring ways of solving the problems facing them including hunger and poverty so that they can uplift their living standards.
The deputy president also distributed food and clothes to over 40 families which were affected by floods in the area, adding that engineers were already working on the damaged bridges in the area.
The legislators on their part pledged to support the Jubilee government in ensuring problems facing Kenyans are solved.
The lawmakers accompanying him pledged their support to the Jubilee government.
“We have resolved to forget what happened during the electioneering period and rally behind the government of the day in a bid to ensuring problems facing our people are solved,” said Mwangangi.